Protests in Munich: Cyclists demonstrate against the environmentally harmful IAA!

Protests in Munich: Cyclists demonstrate against the environmentally harmful IAA!

In the midst of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, which ended this Friday, the Bavarian capital is also at the center of protests against the automobile industry. On Thursday, an initial protest by anti-IAA activists on the A9 prevented traffic to Munich, and the demonstrations continue today, September 13, 2025. The planned actions are not only intended to draw attention to the environmental challenges, but also to focus on alternative mobility concepts. Augsburger Allgemeine reports that protests will take place in the city today.

A particular focus is on a bicycle demo organized by the Munich district group of the Federal Nature Conservation Association in Bavaria. This begins at 12 p.m. at the stone sculpture on Karl-Theodor-Straße at Luitpoldpark. From there the route leads over 16 kilometers to Karolinenplatz, where the participants want to campaign for sustainable mobility and against the existing trading practices of the automotive industry. The demo is also organized by the VCD and BUND, who point out that the IAA Mobility does not focus sufficiently on sustainable solutions and that topics such as bicycles and public transport should come to the fore more, as on the website of ADFC is to be read.

demands and topics

The planned protests will be accompanied by a large number of participants: up to 1,000 cyclists and pedestrians are expected to raise their voices against what they perceive as the industry's usual profit orientation. Martin Geilhufe, the state representative of the Federal Nature Conservation Association, has clearly positioned himself on the IAA and the transport sector as a climate killer, while the NGO Attac is also raising further critical voices through its spokeswoman Noa Neumann. In a statement from the taz The need for climate-friendly mobility is discussed, which should move away from the currently dominant idea of ​​individual transport.

A running demonstration will start at Karolinenplatz at 2:30 p.m., which will ultimately lead back to Luitpoldpark, where the protest camp and workshops will take place. The focus is on putting “needs rather than profits” at the center of the discussion. This is particularly relevant as many of the protesters feel that the automotive industry and its representatives often ignore the full range of forms of mobility and instead promote electric cars, which critics describe as greenwashing.

An outlook on the mobility of tomorrow

Although the IAA Mobility ends on Sunday in Munich, the discussions about humane and ecological mobility in a densely urbanized area remain dominant. Many activists believe that promoting electric vehicles alone is not enough. The solution called for is comprehensive access to public transport, especially in rural areas where access to buses and trains is sometimes still severely limited. New, innovative concepts are needed to create an integrated mobility system that meets the needs of all citizens, Neumann continued.

The IAA Mobility closed its doors on the exhibition grounds on Friday and the open spaces in downtown Munich were also scheduled for discussion and exchange on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Given the impending changes in mobility, it is hoped that today's voices will be heard and point out the need for environmentally friendly alternatives.